Currant Stem Girdler vs Carrion Parasitoid Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Currant Stem Girdler Carrion Parasitoid Wasp
Scientific Name Janus integer Alysia manducator
Order Hymenoptera Hymenoptera
Family Cephidae Braconidae
Size 8-11 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Omnivores Carrion Feeders
Regions North America Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Currant Stem Girdler

A slender black stem sawfly that attacks currant and gooseberry bushes. Females girdle the stem tips with their ovipositor, causing them to wilt.

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Did You Know?

The female girdles the stem above the egg insertion point, causing the tip to wilt and die, which provides the larva with softened stem tissue to feed on.

Carrion Parasitoid Wasp

A small braconid wasp that parasitizes blowfly larvae in carrion. An important part of the decomposition ecosystem. Females locate buried fly larvae using chemical cues.

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Did You Know?

Females can detect fly larvae buried in carrion from a considerable distance using their sensitive antennae.